Peter Goers directs Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys at Adelaide Repertory Theatre's Arts Theatre, Angas Street from 10-19 September 2026. The comedy stars Robert Cusenza and Robin Schmelzkopf as a reunited vaudeville duo navigating old rivalries, bruised egos and the indignities of ageing in showbusiness.
Following the success of his starring role in Adelaide Repertory Theatre’s (The Rep) production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, Peter Goers returns to the director’s chair for Neil Simon’s much-loved comedy, The Sunshine Boys.
The Goers-directed production will run at The Arts Theatre, Angas Street, Adelaide from Thursday 10 to Saturday 19 September 2026.
One of Neil Simon’s most enduring works, The Sunshine Boys combines rapid-fire comedy with warmth and humanity. Enter the world of one of comedy’s most dysfunctional duos, Al Lewis and Willie Clark (The Sunshine Boys). After years of silence, they are now reunited in the same room, and the sparks are flying with old rivalries, bruised egos and comedic drama.
Peter Goers, who also has a cameo role in the production, says that the play is a theatrical masterpiece.
“The Sunshine Boys is a very funny play about very sad things – loneliness, old age, stubbornness, professional riffs and being washed up in showbusiness”, Goers said.
“It’s a masterpiece from Neil Simon; the most successful American playwright and I’ve wanted to direct the play for a long time”.
The Rep production stars South Australian stage veterans Robert Cusenza and Robin Schmelzkopf as The Sunshine Boys, alongside Penni Hamilton-Smith and Lauren Thiel who will both add their comedic touch to the season.
According to The Rep Chairman, David Sinclair, The Sunshine Boys is the next instalment in The Rep’s 2026 Season following the success of the company’s season opening production of The Man Who Came to Dinner.
“The Man Who Came to Dinner was The Rep’s most successful production in over a decade. We are pleased to reunite with Peter Goers and a leading South Australian ensemble for one of the most significant comedies in American history”, Sinclair said.
“This production marks the continuation of an exciting new era for The Rep, and we are proud to be championing community theatre in South Australia”.
The Sunshine Boys is presented by Adelaide Repertory Theatre by arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French: A Concord Theatricals Company.
For more information on The Rep visit: https://adelaiderep.com
